things to do in idaho

Treasure Valley Oktoberfest Extravaganza: A Roundup of Bavarian Bliss



Boise and the Treasure Valley are gearing up for an exciting Oktoberfest season, and you won't want to miss out on the fun. From traditional German music to mouthwatering food and, of course, plenty of beer, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Here's a quick overview of the Oktoberfest events happening in the Treasure Valley this year:

1. Das Alpenhaus Oktoberfest 2023

  • Date: September 22nd and 23rd

  • Location: Boise

  • Details: Get ready for an authentic Bavarian experience with live music, traditional food, and a variety of German and Austrian beers. Check out the Ultimate Guide A to ZZ for more details.

2. October Fest at Idaho Botanical Gardens

  • Date: October 21st, 10 am to 3 pm

  • Location: Boise

  • Details: Put on your best Oktoberfest attire and head to the Idaho Botanical Gardens for beer, brats, and live music by Bacon Drive. It's a festive celebration you won't want to miss.

3. Oktoberfest Downtown Meridian

  • Date: October 7th, 10 am - 10 pm

  • Location: Downtown Meridian

  • Details: Meridian's Oktoberfest promises a day full of fun, including live music, contests, races, and delicious food. Get ready for a vibrant celebration.

4. Oktoberfest at Nampa Civic Center

  • Date: September 29, 2023

  • Location: Nampa

  • Details: Celebrate German culture, food, and music at the Nampa Civic Center. Enjoy live music by the Boise Valley Edelweiss Band, games, food, and more. Get your tickets early!

5. Oktoberfest Party at High Desert Harley-Davidson

  • Date: September 30th, 11 am - 3 pm

  • Location: Meridian

  • Details: High Desert Harley-Davidson is hosting a lively Oktoberfest party with beer, brats, pretzels, and, of course, Harley's. Join the fun! .

6. Payette Brewing Oktoberfest

  • Date: September 15th, 5 pm - 10 pm

  • Location: Boise

  • Details: Enjoy the Oktoberfest spirit at Payette Brewing, featuring traditional German fare, music, and, of course, plenty of beer.

7. Oktoberfest Volkswagen Cruise-in BBQ

  • Date: October 1st, 12 pm - 4 pm

  • Location: Kristen Armstrong Municipal Park, Boise

  • Details: If you're a Volkswagen enthusiast, don't miss this event with beer, brats, and a cruise-in at the park. Get ready for a fantastic fall Sunday!

8. Old Boise Oktoberfest 2023

  • Date: September 23rd, 2 pm - 9:30 pm

  • Location: Boise

  • Details: Old Boise Oktoberfest is back with music, brats, and a great time. Get ready for a festive day of celebration.

These Oktoberfest events are your ticket to celebrating German culture, delicious food, and fantastic entertainment.


Be sure to check out the Ultimate Guide A to Z for more details on each event. Prost to a memorable Oktoberfest season in the Treasure Valley! ๐Ÿป๐Ÿฅจ๐ŸŽถ

The Mimosa Trail: Boise's Tops Spots for Bubbly

Looking to embark on a mimosa adventure like no other?

๐Ÿฅ‚ Look no further, because we've got a list of the best spots in town where you can sip on the most delightful mimosas! ๐ŸŒžโœจ

๐Ÿ“@goldysbreakfastbistro: Rise and shine with Goldy's signature Mimosa, made with freshly squeezed orange juice and bubbly champagne. ๐ŸŠ โœจ

๐Ÿ“ @thegriddle1 :Are you ready to experience the ultimate mimosa extravaganza? ๐Ÿพ Choose from a wide range of flavors like orange, pineapple, peach, grapefruit, and cranberry.! ๐Ÿน๐ŸŒบ

๐Ÿ“@fork_boise : Get ready to explore their extensive mimosa menu, featuring seasonal fruit juices that will take your taste buds on a thrilling journey. ๐ŸŒธ๐ŸŠ

๐Ÿ“@bluebench_brunchette :Treat yourself to their refreshing mimosa made with freshly-squeezed orange juice. ๐ŸŠ The outdoor patio is the perfect spot to enjoy bottomless mimosas while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of the city. ๐ŸŒž๐Ÿน

๐Ÿ“@baconboise: Dive into their unique mimosa flavors like honey-lavender and blood orange, or stick to the classic orange juice and champagne combo. ๐Ÿฅ“๐ŸŠ

๐Ÿ“@homesteadbarandgrill :Calling all mimosa lovers in Meridian! ๐Ÿฅ‚๐ŸŠ Sip on their huge mimosas, served with freshly squeezed orange juice and endless bubbles.

And guess what? The mimosa adventure doesn't end there! ๐ŸŒˆ For the wine enthusiasts out there, @sawtoothwinery offers monthly Mimosa Flights and even has a Mimosa Club! ๐Ÿพโœจ Immerse yourself in a delightful experience as you savor different flavors and indulge in the bubbly goodness. ๐ŸŠ๐Ÿ‡

๐Ÿค” Want to know where to get Bottomless Mimosas?! Stay tuned for a PART 2 mimosa post later today.

#boisebucketlist

Have a Wheel Nice Time: 9 #BucketList Day Trips from Boise

Friday, May 22nd is National Road Trip Day!  Perfect timing since this weekend is the *official* kickoff to summer -- Memorial Day weekend!  Hop into your car, enjoy a full day of exploring, & get out of town for a day.  Here are 9 great day trips that allow you to explore &  return to Boise by dinnertime

pexels-photo-1682666.jpeg







Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area

Souce: Bogus Basin website

Souce: Bogus Basin website


Distance from Boise: 45 minutes north

Why Road Trip Worthy: Bogus Basin isnโ€™t only a winter destination. During the summer months, Bogus Basin offers hiking, biking, live music & events, running, disc golf, and the mountain coaster (fun!). You can also try the lift & experience some incredible views.  Learn more about Bogus Basin HERE








Craters of the Moon

Source: NPS.Gov

Source: NPS.Gov

Distance from Boise: 3 hours east

Why Road Trip Worthy:  you get to see vast lava flows with scattered islands of cinder cones and sagebrush.

Learn more HERE๏ปฟ


Bruneau Sand Dunes

Souce: Idaho Parks & Recreation

Souce: Idaho Parks & Recreation

Distance from Boise: 64 miles south 

Why Road Trip Worthy:  Itโ€™s the tallest dune in North America, reaching over 470 ft. Itโ€™s also the only place in Idaho where you can dune ski. The Visitors Center offers sand boards to rent to have some dune fun!  When you visit, you can also fish, birdwatch, camp, hike, view the stars and swim.  The Bruneau Dunes Observatory Complex is only one of two public observatories in Idaho & home to a 25โ€ telescope.  

Learn more HERE๏ปฟ


Hells Canyon Recreation Area 

Source: visitidaho.org

Source: visitidaho.org

Distance from Boise: 2 to 3 hours away, depending on activity 

Why Road Trip Worthy: Hells Canyon spans three states (Idaho, Oregon, and Washington) and is known as the deepest river gorge in North America.  While most of the canyon is inaccessible, you can enjoy activities such as whitewater rafting, hiking, and jet boat rides.  If anything, the road trip is worth the views. 

Learn more HERE๏ปฟ


Idaho City

Source: Southwest Idaho Travel Association

Source: Southwest Idaho Travel Association

Distance from Boise:1 hour west 

Why Road Trip Worthy: Back in the 1800s, Idaho City served as a mining town & the once-capital of Idaho. If heading back in time is your desire,  Idaho CIty will give you the Wild West charm. You can explore its local shops, quaint restaurants, and even an old sarsaparilla shop. Letโ€™s not forget the hot spring destination The Springs. This developed hot springs pool is a popular destination for many.

Learn more HERE๏ปฟ


Idaho Wine Country

Source: Snake River Wine Tours

Source: Snake River Wine Tours

Distance from Boise: 1 hour west

Why Road Trip Worthy: The Sunny Slope wine district is over to over 13 different wineries. From Koening to Sawtooth Winery to St. Chappelles, you will not be disappointed by the majestic views and incredible wine tasting. Most of the wineries are open year-round & offer free tastings. Side note: if you do not want to drive & prefer for someone else to drive you, book a tour with Snake River Wine Tours. Say hi to Sam for me!

Learn more HERE๏ปฟ


Sawtooth National Forest

Source: Redfishlake.com

Source: Redfishlake.com

Distance from Boise: 3 hour drive east

Why Road Trip Worthy: ask any local -- Sawtooth National Forest is a popular answer of must-see destinations outside of Boise.  This natural beauty is a sprawling area of pristine forest, rugged wilderness & impeccable views.  Grab your hiking gear & explore.

Learn more HERE


Twin Falls/Shoshone Falls

Source: The Idaho Statesman

Source: The Idaho Statesman

Distance from Boise: About 2 hours south of Boise

Why Road Trip Worthy:  Twin Falls is the home of Shoshone Falls -- known as the Niagara Falls of the West. The views are so breathtaking!  After you explore the Shoshone Falls, you can head downtown for some additional exploring. Grab crepes at Twin Beans. Enjoy a cold beer at Milnerโ€™s Gate. Shop at the Brass Monkey

Learn more HERE๏ปฟ


McCall 

Source: Visit McCall

Source: Visit McCall

Distance from Boise: 2 hours north

Why Road Trip Worthy: as a resort town, McCall offers visitors a little bit of everything: picturesque views, outdoor recreation, guided walkways, and amazing places to dine.  You can enjoy lake views with the McCall Lake Cruise. You can zipline at Tamarack Resort. Have some fun on the McCall Ale Trail. As a popular destination for Boiseans, McCall is deserving of many day trips. 

Learn more HERE๏ปฟ


PLEASE RECREATE RESPONSIBILITY: 

Despite COVID-19, many recreational opportunities exist in Idahoโ€™s outdoor areas.

 

Per the Idaho.gov website, โ€œResidents are encouraged to enjoy a walk, a hike or a ride but must adhere to best health practices to prevent virus transmission, including staying at least 6-feet away from others and avoiding groups of people who are not immediate family members or housemates.โ€ 

Read more on how to recreate responsibly while on your road trip HERE


LEAVE NO TRACE

When exploring the outdoors, please be mindful of Leave No Trace principles.  7 principles you can follow to help minimize impact when visiting the outdoors. Respect the land & our environment. Please click HERE to learn more. 


Source: Maverick Car Company

Source: Maverick Car Company


In the market for an adventure-worthy vehicle, my friends at Maverick Car Company can help! Give Freeman & his team a call at 208-314-8080 or visit www.maverickcarcompany.com. I plan to hop in my Maverick car & go on a few of these road trips. #MaverickCarPartner #LifesAnAdventure